Sian Barbara Allen, actor known for ‘The Waltons’ and ‘You’ll Like My Mother,’ dies at 78
Actress Sian Barbara Allen, who earned a Golden Globe nomination and graced numerous TV shows such as “The Waltons” from the ’70s to the ’90s, and was famously recognized for her role in the 1972 film “You’ll Like My Mother,” has passed away.
On Monday, Allen passed away in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, due to Alzheimer’s disease. Her family shared this information in an online obituary. The actor was particularly admired for her portrayal of characters that exhibited remarkable vulnerability and exceptional compassion, which earned her a devoted global fanbase. She was 78 years old.
Allen built up an impressive body of work throughout her career, spanning both television and film. Notable roles include those in popular series like “Columbo,” “Kojack,” and “Hawaii Five-O.” She also appeared in films such as “Billy Two Hats” and “You’ll Like My Mother.” In addition, she starred in several TV movies, including “Scream, Pretty Peggy” and “The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case,” where she acted alongside Bette Davis and Anthony Hopkins, among other esteemed actors.
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Allen was born on July 12, 1946, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and spent her childhood with her mother and grandmother. Prior to making her screen debut in “O’Hara, U.S. Treasury” in 1971, she received a scholarship to the Pasadena Playhouse. Her obituary mentions that she trained under Peggy Feury through the Journeyman program at the Mark Taper Forum.
Allan’s early years in television were marked by small parts in shows like “Gunsmoke”, “Bonanza”, TV films such as “The Scarecrow” and “The Family Rico”. In 1972, she transitioned to film, playing a mentally challenged young woman alongside Patty Duke, Rosemary Murphy, and Richard Thomas in the movie “You’ll Like My Mother”.
As a passionate cinephile, “You’ll Like My Mother” wasn’t merely another acting gig for me; it was a transformative experience that propelled my career to new heights. The film garnered me a nomination for the Star of the Year award at the 1973 Golden Globes, an honor which ultimately went to Diana Ross for her captivating performance in “Lady Sings the Blues.” Remarkably, this role marked the commencement of my creative journey with Thomas. Although our relationship was fleeting, it paved the way for my marriage (and subsequent divorce) to Peter Gelblum in 1979.
Following their stint on “You’ll Love My Mother”, Allen and Thomas got together again in 1972 for the CBS series “The Waltons”. At this time, Allen played Jenny Pendleton, the romantic interest of Thomas’s character John-Boy Walton. Throughout the 70s, Allen landed a consistent string of smaller roles in shows such as “Marcus Welby, M.D.”, “Ironside”, “Baretta” and “The Incredible Hulk”.
Obituaries
Noted actor Richard Chamberlain, best known for his roles in ‘Dr. Kildare’ and critically acclaimed performances in ‘Shogun’ and ‘The Thorn Birds’, passed away at the age of 90.
Allan’s film acting started to decline in the 80s, with her last screen credit being a single episode of “L.A. Law” in 1990, as per IMDb. Interestingly, Allan, who was also active in theater, chose to step away from the limelight in 1990 and instead devoted herself to local politics. Notably, she became involved with Cesar Chavez’s United Farm Workers labor movement.
Allen, a native of her town, was bestowed the city key, known for her poetic talents, affection for music, and fondness for mac and cheese, root beer floats, and bacon cheeseburgers (without lettuce or tomato). Her family shares this information. She leaves behind her former spouse, Peter, their daughter Emily, who was named after the character Emily Webb from “Our Town”, her sisters Hannah Davie and Meg Pokrass, nephew Miles Bond, numerous cousins, and grandson Arlo Fonseca.
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2025-04-02 01:31